Monday, 19 October 2015

Wearing a Vintage knit, over 40 | Skinny cords and a pussy bow.

Berry tones, Autumn layers and Vintage style for real life.

After being inspired by the Gucci geek-chic look (that has now filtered down onto the high street) I was pleased as punch, to pick up this Pussy bow jumper in a charity shop.

I was drawn to the quality of the knit.
I usually run my hand along the rail of clothes, stopping at things that feel good and just hoping that they fit!

It is pure merino wool and a beautiful quality.
The size on the label was a 14, but it is a vintage 14 and I wanted to wear it slightly oversized (so I can get enough length at the cuff).
A good tip is to never dismiss a vintage item because of it's size label, always try it on, you just never know. Vintage clothes are (for the most part) smaller made.

I was quite pleased with my find.

BUT.

When I brought it home, my husband was not so impressed,

"Oh dear. what is that? It looks like something my granny would have worn"

I had to point out to him that it is so old his granny may well have worn it!

Could it really look stylish or was it an epic fashion fail?

I took comfort in the fact that I had given £5 to charity, whatever the outcome.

I have to concede that the pussy bow can be almost impossible to pull off.
They can look very matronly, frumpy and just plain awful.
The irony of the look on a 20 year old is lost at 40.

This jumper posed some major challenges for me:

The pussy bow would not sit nicely....it was all flappy and annoying.

It could look really old fashioned.

The jumper itself is not a shape I would normally choose.

I find this shade of (pepto-bismol) pink quite challenging to wear.

Oh crumbs! It is not looking good, is it?

But, as I love a bit of a challenge, I decided that the pussy bow would have to be beaten!

I wanted to wear it with my burgundy/plum cord trousers.
These are very skinny with a comfortable stretch and a really good rise.
I am NOT a fan of the muffin top.
I don't think it matters what dress size you are, unless you have abs like Sarah Jessica Parker, there will be some kind of ooze...it is never a good look.
I am not saying that your waistband should be under your chin, just enough to cover your fleshy bits.
My micro-muffin was tucked away nicely.

I am loving the berry tones this Autumn, and I know these trousers will be great with boots in the winter months. Cosy and warm.

I had to wear these gorgeous brogues today though.
I just love them!
Burgundy/oxblood leather with a tartan trim....Look at all of the great colours in the tartan.

I did pop a thin sheepskin insole inside them so I could go without socks (just keeping my feet cosy enough for an autumn day).

I then reached for my old faithful denim jacket. Denim never fails to give that laid back vibe.
It almost acts as a security blanket over a tricky item, if I am in doubt I add denim.
See how I styled Denim Jackets Here and here and here.

It was quite chilly today, so an oversized scarf was a must.
This fluffy one had all of the colours I needed to pull everything together, and is so cosy.

I was going to use a different bag (a blue one) but I thought I may as well go all-out on the pink and keep up the vintage theme.
This pale pink satchel was just the job!

The pussy bow had a mind of it's own and was going all over the place so I decided to tie it like a gents neck tie.
That's better!

Here is a close up of the beautiful quality of the knit...and my attempt at a knotted Tie (apologies for that!).

and here is my photographer, living up to his cheeky reputation:

"Nice pussy.....bow! What else?"

"Why are you laughing?"

Cracks me up!

Check out these brogues.
I think I have a pair of tights to match every colour here!

My monogramed bag.
A great gift from Hubby (cheeky but a talented gift chooser).
It still looks brand new, despite being a good few years old and pale pink.
See how I styled it in an early post Here...with a backless top!

So what do you think?

Did I get away with this pussy bow jumper? Or is it a little too Matronly for your liking?

Please let me know in the comments.... I love to read your thoughts and opinions.

I think you hit the nail on the head with this! The way you tied the bow is absolutely perfect...really!! And with the jean jacket & shoes, you're unquestionably showing that you're not matronly! jodiewww.jtouchofstyle.com

Hahaha I am glad you approve of my shoes! So comfortable and easy to wear. I had not thought about the sailor inspired look, but now that you mention it...I like that idea! Maybe the Navy would consider a uniform change? Pink anyone?? XXXSamantha

That made me laugh, Lynn. I can just imagine us ( a sleeve each) ready for battle. I would like to think I would put up a great fight for it but, to be honest, I would probably have said "You have to have it...it goes perfectly with those trousers!".. :oPYour retro wool trousers sound fab! Now That is a photo I would like to see.XXXSamantha

I adore the entire look, truly. That said, it's the denim jacket and scarf which transform that cheeky pussy bow from a Princess Di 80s signature accent to a really cool twist to your outfit :) I particularly adore how the plaid motif on your brogues mirrors your scarf.

Sam, I promise you , I read through your blog post I wish I could visit more frequently but the link up allows me to comment on many people, and takes up a fair amount of time, I appreciate you posting your 3 or more posts so I can get to comment on them! I am such a fan of the pussy bow, I didnt know that is what it was called I love this vintage style look, and am going to have to try this color combination sometime, it looks amazing on you, the burgundy and pink. I also love the brogues, such style my friend!!Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

You totally got away with it! Of course. You look so sweet. I like to think we should be going to get coffee together right now and then you could tell me in person all about more of the details of what you're wearing.

I'd like to finish my comment by telling you how lovely all the trees are in your yard. You are so lucky! And I love how you always match them!!

Lots of things on point here: the tonal dressing of the pinks and maroons work really well together. Even the fall colors of trees are cooperating! Also, I'm a vintage girl myself so I love the pussy bow style. Very sweet. I like that you balanced the cutsie quality of the bow with denim jacket, pants and brogues. For another look, try the sweater with a skirt...I think that could work, too.

Thank you Norbyah! I need to talk myself into pairing it with a skirt. You mentioned the cutsie factor and that is what I fear a little. Thank you for your encouragement, I just need to find a not-so-cute skirt to wear it with...hmmmmm.XXX

As a new reader I am enjoying a light troll through past posts, but came to this one through your pattern mixing post - as I fell in love with the New Look scarf! Rushed to the site (ditto ASOS) but no joy, neither does eBay or Amazon have anything vaguely similiar. So many scarves that look like your Mum's car rug :( Yours is BRIGHT and has loft and the colours are cool, not warm. COOL - like you! I am bereft and feel there is a market for a website where someone can place an ad saying "Go to your local New Look/insert-store-here and find me this item and I will give you x% more than the price for it." Signed, Sad in Cádiz